Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome

Down syndrome, or trisomy 21, is caused by the presence of a third copy of chromosome 21. The risk for Down syndrome is higher in babies of mothers older than 35, who are more likely to have abnormal eggs that may lead to the condition. Common symptoms include problems in growth, hearing, vision and immunity, along with problems of the thyroid, heart, muscles and nerves. The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person.

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The likelihood of having a child with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother, especially after age 35. That said, 80 percent of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age, due to higher fertility rates in this age group.

This content originally appeared on the National Down Syndrome Society website.

People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.

This content originally appeared on the National Down Syndrome Society website.

Once a woman has given birth to a baby with trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) or translocation -- two of the three types of Down syndrome -- it is estimated that her chances of having another baby with trisomy 21 is one in 100 up until age 40.

The risk of recurrence of translocation is about three percent if the father is the carrier and 10 to 15 percent if the mother is the carrier. Genetic counseling can determine the origin of translocation.

This content originally appeared on the National Down Syndrome Society website.

Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels, although older women have an increased chance of having a child with Down syndrome. A 35-year-old woman has about a one in 350 chance of conceiving a child with Down syndrome; this chance increases gradually to one in 100 by age 40. At age 45 the incidence becomes approximately one in 30.

This content originally appeared on the National Down Syndrome Society website.

People with Down syndrome are active participants in educational, social and recreational activities. They are included in the typical education system and take part in sports, music, art programs and any other activities in the community. People with Down syndrome are valued members of their families and communities, and make meaningful contributions to society.

Businesses employ adults with Down syndrome for a variety of positions -- in banks, corporations, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, offices and restaurants. They work in the music and entertainment industry, in clerical positions, childcare, the sports field and the computer industry, to name a few. Like anybody else, people with Down syndrome want to have a job where their work will be valued.

This content originally appeared on the National Down Syndrome Society website.

People with Down syndrome socialize and have meaningful friendships. Some choose to date, maintain ongoing relationships and marry. Adults with Down syndrome are not children, and should not be considered children. They enjoy activities and companionship with other adults, and have similar needs and feelings as their typical peers.

This content originally appeared on the National Down Syndrome Society website.

People with Down syndrome have feelings just like anyone else. They experience the full range of emotions. They respond to positive expressions of friendship and are hurt and upset by inconsiderate behavior.

This content originally appeared on the National Down Syndrome Society website.

Many people who have Down syndrome live with their families, are educated in mainstream classrooms, and hold various jobs as adults. Most people with Down have IQs in the mid to moderate range of retardation, but Down kids can be educated and researchers are still discovering the full potential of people with Down syndrome.

From The Smart Parent's Guide: Getting Your Kids Through Checkups, Illnesses, and Accidents by Jennifer Trachtenberg.

Students with Down syndrome are included in typical academic classrooms in schools across the country. The current trend in education is for full inclusion in social and educational settings. Sometimes students with Down syndrome are included in specific courses, while in other situations students are fully included in the typical classroom for all subjects. Increasingly, individuals with Down syndrome graduate from high school with diplomas, and participate in postsecondary academic and college programs.

This content originally appeared on the National Down Syndrome Society website.

All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses. Be considerate of the extra time it might take a person who has a disability to get things done or said.

This content originally appeared on the National Down Syndrome Society website.